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MY LADY OF THE SEARCH- LIGHT 



MY LADY OF 
THE SEARCH-LIGHT 



BY 



MARY HALL LEONARD 




THE GRAFTON PRESS 

PUBLISHERS NEW YORK 



UCT. 34 1905 






4Jtoi ^ 









Copyright, 1905, by 
MARY HALL LEONARD 



CONTENTS 



PRELUDE ...... 


. 1 


MY LADY OF THE SEARCH-LIGHT . 


. 3 


THE STATUE^S STORY 


. 9 


Song of Manlius . 


12 


Querella's Song . 


. 13 


The Mothek's Song 


18 


Queen of Hearts 


22 


A Woman's Question . 


32 


The Voice of the Ages . . 


34 


Manlius and Querella 


54 


POSTLUDE 


55 



[V] 



PRELUDE. 

FROM the Orient came a voice 
In the Ages Primal, 
'Unto man is woman's lot 
For his use and blessing.' 

Europe's Middle Epoch then 
Spake in accents courtly 

'Nay, to her with knightly grace 
Man shall yield devotion.' 

Modem Age and Western World 

What is thy decision? 
Speak with wisdom to the ears 

Of the listening future. 



[ 1 1 



MY LADY OF THE SEARCH-LIGHT 



TRIUMPHANT, steady, rich in human freight, 
Her course achieved, the stately vessel rode 
Into the harbor, and upon its deck 
We stood, we two, and watched the shifting scene. 
Below us noisy in the cabin thronged 
A many-languaged multitude that sought 
Homes in the Occident, the chance to breathe 
New aspirations in a newer world. 

Peaceful had been our voyage. Day by day 
Dreamily and inert we had reclined 
In our deck armchairs, while our half-closed eyes 
Scanned ocean's panorama, seething waves 
Bright-crested, foam beflecked, long rolling surge 
With valleys green, a billowy restless main 
Alike majestic in repose or wrath. 



[30 



MY LADY OF THE SEARCH-LIGHT 

The silver-winged sea-fowl skirted by, 

The freshening breeze across our foreheads blew, 

And under placid skies the obedient waves 

With rhythmic lullabies beguiled our hearts 

To yield ourselves to the alluring spell 

Of the vast, amorous, seductive sea, 

The great immensity that wraps the earth, 

Divider and uniter of the worlds. 

But now at last arrived the journey's end. 
And through the blissful waning afternoon 
The land signs thickened, hovering land-birds sailed 
About our masts, and perfumes from the shore 
Mixed with the salty spray. The pilot came 
To guide us through the channel, bringing news 
Of the great world that we for one brief week 
Had nigh forgotten. Every fluttering heart 
Felt the allurements of the welcoming land. 
While the soft twilight drew her tenuous veil 
Of golden haze, and draped the embracing shores 
And headlands glimmering through the misty sheen. 
Then as the glow dissolved, the infant moon 
Her sickle drew, and myriad lights of heaven 
Gleamed softly one by one, and answering lights 
Kindled on sea and shore. So stood we still. 
Responsive, sympathetic, and forebore 
To utter idle words, but held our peace. 

[4] 



My lady Of the search-light 

The twilight spell was broken and the night 

Closed firmly in, and yet no evening hush 

Fell on the brilliant scene, nor interlude 

Of shadowing silence. Night and day alike 

The thronging ships with noisy signallings 

And waving pennons travel in and out 

With enterprise unwearied. So from us 

The mood of silence passed. ^'How good to breathe 

These airs of freedom," my companion said, 

''To feel the New World stimulus and poise, 

The fresher life unburdened by the past, 

Where the ungraven tablet may be traced 

With fairer records, newer hopes." 

But I: 
"I am a woman, and to me perforce 
The woman's side appears. Grateful I am 
For woman's lot in free America. 
Here she may feel the vital breath of Heaven 
Filling her soul, enabling her to soar 
On wings of aspiration, love, and faith. 
So Hail America, — again I cry, 
America — the woman's earthly Heaven," 



[5] 



MY LADY OF THE SEARCH-LIGHT 

Now toward its moorings drew our noble ship. 

And all around us on the bay we saw 

The gleaming flickering lights like firefly lamps 

From white-winged sailing fleets and vessels huge 

Waving gay flags of every varied hue; 

And most admired, our nation's stars and stripes 

Lifted in triumph o'er the king of all 

That ocean craft, a cruiser built for war, 

Full-armed and rigged, a naval potentate. 

Now on this ocean monarch every eye 
With eagerness was turned. For on its deck 
The new Olympian Jove with magic powers 
Was forging modern lightning bolts designed 
For gentle ends, beneficent to man. 
So as we watched and waited shot there forth 
A searchlight signal, bold, insistent, clear, 
A broad electric beam of whitest flame 
Circling the horizon to its utmost rim, 
As though the Angel of the Seven Seals 
Would search remotest corners of the world 
For souls in hiding at the Judgment Day. 
At last the circuit made, it lingering fell 
Full on the spot where just before us loomed 
The lofty pedestal and towering form 
Of the Bartholdi Statue as it rose 
From out the bosom of the tranquil bay. 

[6] 



MY LADY OF THE SEARCH-LIGHT 

Serene, majestic, massive, there it stood 

This woman shape, a goddess aureole-crowned. 

Her Hfted right hand held aloft the torch 

Of freedom's flame; within her left she grasped 

A graven tablet. In her mien appeared 

Something more womanly because conjoined 

With gifts that manhood boasts as highest crown, 

Even as manliness most virile seems 

When touched with tender graces. Did we see 

The New World type of Freedom's prophecy? 

Or was the symbol womanhood itself 

Inspired by Liberty's immortal strength? 

Now as the searching shaft of crystal fire 

Fell on My Lady's face, there came a hush 

For a brief instant o'er the multitude 

That watched the pageant from the vessel's deck, 

As dim perceiving sacramental gleams 

Of inspiration in those questioning eyes. 

For a full moment's pause it rested there 

That penetrating beam. As rapt I gazed 

Drinking the revelation, suddenly 

Methought the statue spoke; or was it then 

Its Angel whispered to my listening soul 

From silent lips a heaven-born oracle? 

Beside me stood my friend with eyes aglow. 

Yet when he spoke I knew that not to him 

[ 7] 



MY LADY OF THE SEARCH-LIGHT 

Had come the statue's story. Mine alone 
The vision, mine must be its record then. 
Yea, and I give it here, the very words 
The statue uttered, or, if faihng that, 
The truthful impress that was born that hour 
Within my soul, and after in my dreams 
Sleeping or waking, and I care not which, 
Grew to a fadeless and symmetric whole. 
Whether 'twere prophecy, or history's word, 
Or nature's voice in allegoric strain. 
Whether within the body or without 
My spirit moved or rested in a trance. 
Alike indifferent seems. Whether a flash 
Across the subtle wires of human thought 
Brought subtler insight till I well could swear 
The statue said it — know I only this. 
That here I do essay to write with truth 
A tale that somehow in essential lines 
Was poured into my soul from that calm face 
Illumined by that white electric ray. 



[8] 



MY LADY OF THE SEARCHLIGHT 



THE STATUE'S STORY. 

WHEN Life and Love were young was born a 
child 
Whose foster-mother, Nature, bending low 
Above her cradle prest the cup of life 
Unto the baby lips. "Drink deep, sweet-heart, 
The mingled draught of fervent womanhood/' 
Then kissed by fortune's smiles she grew apace, 
Flitting in freedom as the butterfly 
From sweet to sweet. With searching eyes she 

roamed 
Forest and field, claiming a kinship close 
With flowers and trees, questioned the bee and bird 
For nature's secrets, eager e'er to prove 
Her universal birthright. 

Close beside 
Abode another child, a boy endowed 
With dauntless vigor. As the driven sap 
Drinks the effulgence of the approaching spring 
And presses upward, so his virile powers 
Wakened responsively to nature's sun 
Greening toward promised fruitage. 



[0 ] 



MY LADY OF THE SEARCH-LIGHT 

Year by year 
Boon comrades these; with glad unanxious zeal 
They challenged fortune's sentries, caring naught 
Save the awakening impulse to fulfil 
And compass every joy of active youth. 
Her name Querella, he as Manlius known. 

Thus childhood fled. But now divergence grew 
In life's unfoldings, making stern demand 
For re-adjustment. Vague expanding powers 
Importunate, contend for mastery 
With physic force. Feature and form reveal 
New difference. Gentler now Querella 's face, 
More introspect her mood. Instinctive thoughts 
Unknown to Manlius lift a wall between. 
His stalwart youth breathing potential strength 
Feels larger self -pronouncement. Each doth view 
The other with new vision, each withal 
Conscious of self the more. 

Now Manlius said, 
"Myself am king of nature and mankind. 
Heir of all kingdoms I. Like unto God's 
My sovereign right save only in degree. 
Yet need I still a helpmeet. Tis not good 
That man should be alone. This woman she 
Ordained of Heaven to supplement my need." 

[ 10 ] 



MY LADY OF THE SEARCH-LIGHT 

And doubting not that all Creation swung 
In orbit round his self -poised entity, 
To this philosophy he keyed his life. 

How fared it with Querella? Earnest eyes 
Grew large with asking 'Wherefore was I born?' 
'How shall I read life's cipher?' Visions thronged, 
Folding her heart in fancy's solitude. 

Then Manlius came, so masterful and brave. 
His whelming presence with magnetic power 
Swept all her being, — body, brain and heart, 
In the strong current of his mastery. 

Blindly they yielded to the impetuous tide, 
Unwary mariners, and little recked 
Of chart and compass lacking, and the need 
For pilot guidance that should safely steer 
Their fragile life-boat o'er life's stormy sea. 

The fateful die was cast; the vow was sealed; 
And Love's coercion with resistless force 
Hurling their souls together linked the bands. 
Snapping all other ties to make them one. 

So life's great drama, which in every age 
Is writ in youthful hearts, the curtain drew. 
And its initial act was played once more, 

[11 ] 



MY LADY OF THE SEARCH-LIGHT 



SONG OF MANLIUS. 

COME, sweet love, thy magic presence 
Doth my heart with rapture thrill; 
To my fevered yearning spirit 

Speak the joyful word ^I will.' 

Tasks of skill and fame await me, 

Yet if thou my suit deny 
All my gifts w^ere blighted promise. 

Yield thee, darling, or I die. 

As the bow unto the viol, 

As the crown to royal king, 
To my ineffectual being 

Thy perfective graces bring. 

Paradise with man as sovereign. 

All creation at his feet. 
Emptied of its bliss must languish 

Unless love its joys complete. 

Come then, ministering angel, 

By the paths thy mothers trod 

Thou shalt find thine own fulfilment, 
Thou to me, and I to God. 

[12] 



MY LADY OF THE SEARCH-LIGHT 

Thus Manlius to Querella, nor did dream 
But that himself had wisdom to ordain 
Life's rulings for them both, that so her heart 
Should rest in peace, trusting his love, — ah, yes. 
For sure he loved her as a man may love 
Part of his very self, — so should his love 
Wax perfect, as she merged herself in him; 
So ran his thought, this youthful egotist. 



QUERELLA 'S SONG. 

LIFE is aglow! Be still my beating heart 
That I may comprehend 
The thrills that through my wakened pulses start, 
And raptures to each vibrant sense impart. 
O whither doth it tend? 

Beloved, former aspirations lie 

Buried forevermore. 
From a dark chrysalis emerging I 
Arise on wing unfettered to the sky. 

In azure heights to soar. 



[13 J 



MY LADY OF THE SEARCH-LIGHT 

I am most poor, but that thy quickening love, 

Ennobleth all, I ween, 
That bears thy impress, — joy all joys above. 
Sleep flies my eyelids. Ecstasy doth move 

My spirit depths serene. 

Ingraft with thine, dear heart, my soul shall grow. 

Thy steadfast weal alone. 
Thy hopes, thy aims, thy prayers henceforth I'll know. 
My one glad mission, since I love thee so 

To make thy joys mine own. 

Had I ne'er met thee — ah, that fatal miss 
Had brought what sorrowings rife! 

But now, — oh perfect and unmeasured bliss. 

All bliss is mine, as life is lost in this, 
To be thy love, thy wife. 



So sang Querella. But she little dreamt 
Of what the years would teach her, of the time 
When mortal need must turn to God alone 
For help and fulness. Let the lessons wait. 

And so they stood and vowed before high Heaven 
She to obey, he cherish, both to love. 

[ 14 ] 



MY LADY OF THE SEAKCH-LIGHT 

And both did mean the vow, and so began 
Anew earth's Eden tale of wedded souls. 

Then what befell? Answer ye worldly wise 

Trained in Experience' school! How fared it then 

With these young hearts embarked in one frail skiff 

For a life-voyage over heaving seas? 

Could he, the ardent and self-centered soul, 

Be trusted like a God to care for hers? 

Should she, the woman, let her being sink 

Its depth in his, with endless unreserve? 

How long, bethink you, did it take to bring 

To both reaction? For should Manlius fail 

His personal life to hold in perfect poise 

How then another's? Or if she, his wife. 

Misjudge the wifely debt, shall dual souls 

Forbear to vindicate the personal claim? 

Yet loyal vows with love's sustaining bands, 

Linked oy devoted hearts have iron strength. 

And so Querella, striving to fulfill 

Her wifely part, brought forth in pain a child 

Unto her husband, and in weakness strove 

To please his wish in all, and held her peace 

If selfish impulse or a blind desire 

O'erstepped the just demand; and made excuse 

[15] 



MY LADY OF THE SEARCH-LIGHT 

For every failing; yea, e'en justified, 
Deeming it meet that his career should be 
The goal of mutual effort, grieving most 
That limitations in herself should fail 
His expectation; morbidly indeed 
Blaming herself for these and feeding still 
His blinded selfhood. Ah, how sad the sight 
Of worse than wasted wealth of wifely love! 

But Manlius felt at times the measure hard 

His wife should lack so far the power to fill 

His cup of joy, that loveliness should fade 

And strength decline. Yet would he honor still 

His nuptial vow. Besides 'twere wise withal, 

For so are women better ruled if love 

The scepter wield. So he provided well 

For child and wife with duteous care, despite 

Complacent Virtue's lack of full reward. 

Now to Querella's heart the baby brought 

New tasks of love. The helpless clinging life 

Division gave to duty. Manlius' share 

Must suffer some eclipse, as Motherhood 

Woke call responsive in Querella's soul. 

Her husband was a man, equipped with powers 

For manly effort. If she failed in aught 

[16] 



MY LADY OF THE SEARCH-LIGHT 

Of wifely mission, there were other springs 

For his advantage. Nay, she reasoned still, 

His faithful wife and helpmeet (well she knew) 

Was far from being all in all to him; 

But for this tender life thus given in trust 

Into her keeping, — ah, if she should fail 

In mother-service, what for baby then? 

Were even bonds of nuptial love so close 
As ties that bind the mother to the babe 
That draws its life pre-natal from the springs 
Of her rapt being? Thus Querella mused. 
Spending with royal lavishment her strength 
In service for her husband and her child; 
But when the ambitious world insistent claimed 
The busy brain of Manlius, gently then 
Querella stifled thoughts of self and turned 
To the sweet solace found in mother-love. 



[17] 



MY LADY OF THE SEARCH-LIGHT 



THE MOTHER'S SONG. 

HUSH thee, my babe, 'tis thy mother that holds 
thee. 
Freely her strength doth supply 
Life's brimming fount, as her presence enfolds thee 

With soothings of soft lullaby. 
Down to the Dreaming-land softly he goes, 
Peacefully yielding to nature's repose. 

Gladly I lavish health, beauty, and pleasure, 

Yea, life itself would I give 
To rescue from peril the innocent treasure 

For whose dear future I live. 
Nurture of manhood my highest employ, 
Motherhood's burden is womanhood's joy. 

Keep me from failure O Father Eternal, 

Out of thy plenitude lend 
Wisdom and strength for my mission maternal 

And crown with thy blessing its end. 
Better than riohes or ease or renown 
Better than life is Motherhood's crown. 



[ 18] 



MY LADY OF THE SEARCH-LIGHT 

Thus fared the months. But now another heart 

Was beating neath Querella's, while her spent 

Vitahty refused the double load. 

And Manlius full of lusty vigor failed 

The signs to interpret, even secretly 

Harbored a mute complaining. It was hard 

A weakly wife to cherish. Had he been 

In lesser haste to wed, mayhap his choice 

Had wiser proven. Now, alack, he'd make 

The best of it, perforce; so fitful tried 

To ease her burdens by occasional thought 

Detached from other interests and given 

Unto the world of home. 

And so, one day 
Arrived the crisis. Mother-love and pain 
O'ercame Querella and grim-visaged Death 
Stood nigh to snatch her to his darkened realm. 
Unconscious there with fluttering breath she lay 
And ebbing pulse, while the attendants moved 
In noiseless waiting for the final sigh. 

Remorseful anguish conquered Manlius then. 
Kneeling beside her couch he prayed to God 
And to his wife with tears, ''O dearest love. 
Return and let me prove repentance true. 
And win forgiveness. Turn to earth once more, 

[19^ 



MY LADY OF THE SEAKCH-LIGHT 

It needs you and I need you. Leave me not, 
Life of my life, heart of my heart, come back." 

Then the pale sufferer oped her glazing eyes. 
And feebly smiled and said ''Dear love, I tried 
To do my duty, but my strength was small." 
So closed her lids, and the attendant said 
"The life is going." — Suddenly the lips 
Were seen to move. "My baby'' was the word 
They weakly framed. Softly the nurses brought 
The new-born infant and the elder child 
Led by the hand, who lisped with childish glee 
"Kiss Mamma," and they placed him on the bed 
And let his soft lips brush the icy brow. 
Now at the instant did the sleeping babe 
Utter a wailing cry. At touch and sound 
The sinking woman stirred and tried to speak. 
They brought her cordials and with impulse new 
She strove to swallow. Then the flickering pulse 
Showed conscious beat again. Returning will 
Lent skill to effort and the mother-heart 
Smiled faintly on her babes, and gently sank, 
Not in the arms of death but healing sleep. 
And when she waked, her husband who all night 
Had held his kneeling vigil cried with tears 
Clasping her to his close embrace, "Dear heart, 

[20] 



MY LADY OF THE SEARCH-LIGHT 

Given back to me out of the jaws of death." 

And his wife answered "Yes, and to my babes." 

Then all that wealth and loving could devise 
Did Manlius lavish for the invalid's cure, 
Wooing her smiles with offerings dearly bought 
Like a fond lover winning first his bride; 
Till lured by sunshine of affection's care 
Back to the ways of earth Querella came 
With youthful health and beauty all restored, 
Yea, and enhanced beneath the light of love. 

Now Manlius looked on her with altered eyes. 
No more her precious life should waste its wealth 
In menial tasks. An angel pure she seemed 
Vouchsafed from Heaven above to lift his soul 
To purer heights. Her hand should hold the prize 
While grosser man should win for love of her 
Life's tournaments. Woman was manhood's queen, 
Nay, saint within his home, his private shrine 
Where he might daily worship. She should be 
His advocate with Heaven. But sacredly 
Apart from noisy revels and the strife 
Of rude opinions must her soul be kept. 
As love, not knowledge, doth her being sway. 
Man on his part would be her earthly prop, 

[21 ] 



MY LADY OF THE SEARCH-LIGHT 

Her lamp of wisdom and defender brave 
From base-born perils of the grosser sort. 
In sheltered privacy within the home 
Provided by his care, no stain should mar 
The polished glass of her sweet purity. 
Thus the decree of Manlius for his wife 
And for the infant daughter of his love. 



QUEEN OF HEARTS. 

QUEEN of hearts, to thee I sing, 
At thy feet my own I fling, 
Loyal tribute freely bring, 
Fair Woman. 

Guardian angel by my side, 
In thy counsels I'll confide 
Lest my wavering footsteps slide, 
Pure Woman. 

Man's devotion shall extend 
Strength to succor and defend. 
Loving shelter gladly lend. 
Sweet Woman. 

[22] 



MY LADY OF THE SEARCH-LIGHT 

Walls of home thy cherished bound, 
Best delights therein are found, 
Thus is life and living crowned. 
Dear Woman. 

In Love's kingdom throned apart 
Thou a gentle sovereign art, 
Rest thee in thy husband's heart. 
Blest Woman. 



Happy Querella basking in his love 
Fairer and sweeter grew and wore her part 
With wifely fondness and unwavering trust 
In her knightly lover. 



So the days flew by. 
And all was lovely and brave tales were told 
By Manlius to the world, of bliss of home, 
Of woman's surer instincts, saintlier mind. 
The fitting law that while on man was laid 
The outward rule, yet hers the gift to sway 
By subtler energies his sovereign will. 
Hers then the dearest headship after all 
Could her submissive heart accept its own. 

[23] 



MY LADY OF THE SEARCH-LIGHT 

So all the world approved. Querella too 
Smiled in contentment with her lavish home 
Well-ordered, and the children grew apace. 

So seemed it. Did this tell the story quite? 
What in the lone hour secrets spake her soul? 
Woman had heart and feeling. Had she brain? 
Were mental talents given and yet denied 
The right to use them? Such decree w'ere hard 
To justify. Since our first mother fell 
Woman as lief as man hath knowledge craved, 
And risked her soul for gaining its fair fruit. 
O foolish man! Think well before thou dare 
To legislate the bound of woman's world, 
Thyself must suffer if there be mistake. 

Now in her quiet hours Querella fed, 
But secretly, these inner wants represt, 
Wrestled with science, pondering long and deep 
Perplexing doubts and questions. If by chance 
Her husband found her thus, anon he smiled 
Indulgently, ''What, sweet, and dost thou think 
To weigh such matters? They are not for thee.' 
And she responsive laid the book aside, 
And smiled as was her duty, yielding thus 
To gentle fondling and the arts of love. 

[24] 



MY LADY OF THE SEAKCH-LIUHT 

The years sped on. But for the children now 
Life's problems rose. The boy was placed at school, 
Tutored in manly arts, with bars let down 
To every road and freest vantage given 
For starting on life's race. 

As to the girl, 
The Mother said, ^'Let Filia have it too, 
The liberal training.'' 

But the father said 
''Nay, dearest heart, her narrower mission calls 
For gentle arts and sweet accomplishments 
That make a woman wise and womanly; 
No stint in these, so they be truly used 
To lift her to the final place that fits 
Her woman's nature." 

Then the gathering flow 
Of pent-up feeling in Querella's soul 
So long represt, burst the restraining bands. 
At first a tiny rift, but as the flood 
O'ercame resistance, painfully it surged 
In tides of passion. 

First with cynic tone, 
"Her 'woman's nature' say you? Tell me then, 
Hath every mind in all the universe 

[25] 



MY LADY OF THE SEARCH-LIGHT 

Or man or bird or beast, the leave to try- 
All paths, use every talent, save indeed 
Woman, the only thing fate hath condemned 
To occupy a Sphere?'' 

But Manlius stood 
With wondering dismay. ''How now? This comes 
Of books beyond thy scope. I should have seen 
The menace. It doth mar the polished stone 
To jostle o'er the highway. Question not, 
My wife and daughter. You are both unversed 
In the world's wickedness. I pray you trust 
My clearer wisdom. Thankful should you be 
For your safe Eden and exemption blest 
From burdens men must bear. Filia shall have 
All true advantage. Be content. Have peace." 

But ah, Querella could not be content. 

That which for self her wifehood had renounced, 

The more insistent for her daughter now 

She must demand. 

Passionate then she spoke. 
''Woman, poor fool, they say that she was made 
Not for herself, but man. So may she Uvse 
Only such talents as he giveth leave. 
Our work is supervised and man must set 
Its price in the market. He alone is free, 

[26] 



MY LADY OF THE SEARCH-LIGHT 

Woman his slave; if petted and caressed 
No less the vassal." 

Manlius then with scorn 
''Thou foolish woman. Let thy brawling cease." 
Querella, half repentant, now with tears, 
''But nay, my husband, for I meant it not, 
Save in the general. Gentle hast thou been, 
Most true and tender to thy wife who pleads; 
So let thy innate justice now reply. 
The question will not down. Women and men, 
Are they co-equal halves of the human whole, 
Or is the woman nature's underling?'' 

But Manlius frowning stood nor answer deigned. 
Until the daughter by the mother's side 
Pleaded for opportunity as free 
As was her brother's. Then the mother-heart 
Took up the theme again. To many a trite 
And fettering maxim that had passed as truth 
Unquestioned, now Querella dared to make 
Denial bold. 

As to a wayward child 
A parent deals displeasure, Manlius then 
Quoted the Scripture^s plain demands, — to yield 
Honor and due obedience to her lord 

[27] 



MY LADY OF THE SEARCH-LIGHT 

Whose helpmeet she was made. Woman's the task 
To bring forth children, to be chaste, discreet. 
Good works to do, and modestly refrain 
From public clamor; would she learn in aught 
To question of her husband first at home. 
Querella laughed. And mockingly that laugh 
Did sink in Manlius' tempest-riven soul 
And drove the sharpened wedge that should divide 
Their mutual trust. 

"Nay, it is man'' she cried 
"Who to his selfish ends interpreteth 
The blessed Scripture. 'Tis some strange mistake. 
God ne'er denies what He himself hath writ 
In a woman's heart. The Blessed Book itself 
Hath lifted woman to her rightful place 
Beside her Brother Christ, the Man of men; 
And we thy wife and daughter dare appeal 
To Heaven's Eternal Judgment Bar our claims 
Of sacred womanhood." 

Aghast he stood 
This wondering husband, at such impious words 
From one he thought the sum of pious love 
And sweet submission to the lot ordained 
Of God and nature. 

[28] 



MY LADY OF THE SEARCH-LIGHT 

Then with hot disdain, 
"Dost think thy puerile brain can conquer realms 
Of art, of governance, of public weal, 
Where never woman yet did laurels win? 
Let the presumptuous youth who fain would guide 
Across the heavens the chariot of the sun 
Warn thee from folly that would overturn 
The well-poised universe." 

Persistent still 
Querella answered, "History recks of Queens 
Who need not doff their royal crowns abashed 
Before their kingly peers. Yet vantage free 
And educative Time alone may say 
What woman's gifts include. Whate'er I can 
That may I. Then if failure looms, not man 
But nature hath restraining fetters laid." 

With wrath of triumph Manlius now, "Aha, 

Then are they laid already. So indeed 

Thy madness speaketh reason. Dost not know 

That War doth judge the court of last appeal, 

And might hath final headship? Wilt thou take 

Thy boasted talents into battle's fray 

And win thy scepter thus? If not, forbear 

To mar thy womanhood in vain attempt 

To pair thyself with man in manhood's realms." 

[29] 



MY LADY OF THE SEARCH-LIGHT 

"I know not how the Court of War shall judge 
My cause," Querella said, ^^The earth doth wait 
The promised Age of Peace. Grim War itself 
May change its visage, growing more humane 
Through gains of Science, or indeed, — who knows?— 
By woman's ingress. This I surely know: 
In all of human welfare woman holds 
Inherent part, and all, — yea, man himself, — 
Must suffer detriment, if woman's share 
Be disallowed. Yet as a woman still 
She entereth into all, and finds her place, 
Not of man's tutelage, nor yet restrained 
By fear of man's rebuke, but owning first 
Nature the primal guide of all alike. 
Thus as a woman now I claim my part 
In all that is." 

Dumb with amazement first 
Stood Manlius. Then with dry and whitening lips 
He answered, "Foolish woman, be it so; 
Until you learn in shame and misery 
To prize the kingdom that you thus resign." 

Querella awed yet resolute, "Forgive, 
Yet hear me still. The woman best doth know 
The woman's portion. How should man disport 
As judge and jury both? Not I to thee 

[30] 



MY LADY OF THE SEARCH-LIGHT 

And thou to God; but with my husband I 
In mutual faith must look alike to God. 
I dare not turn nor falter. Future years 
Wait on my act. Womanhood yet unborn 
Pleadeth to bring this question to the test. 
Now for all women's sake with solemn vow 
I go to prove it. Husband, fare thee well." 

And Manlius deadly pale, with voice supprest, 
"Then go, as thou hast said. I with my son 
Mingling with ranks of men and large affairs 
Accept the desolate hearth and ruined home 
Until the wife and mother turns again 
Unto her duty. All my manhood now 
Biddeth me join the issue to the end. 
Try your experiment. We'll test the case 
And find the resultant. Go thy chosen path, 
And for thy speeding here is gold. I pray 
You take it feeely. It would cause me pain 
That wife or daughter suffer. Go, — farewell." 

"Nay Manlius," said Querella, "keep your gold, 
We need it not, for I myself may earn. 
But thank you none the less, my husband, dear 
As when I plighted first my maiden troth. 



[31] 



MY LADY OF THE SEARCH-LIGHT 

Yet must we part. Thus only may we win 

Release from senile fetters. If a sphere 

I own, 'tis large as yours whose radius meets 

The starry dome encircling boundless space, 

The universe of matter and of mind. 

Naught else can I accept, no more than you. 

God keep you, husband. — Daughter, come. — Fare- 

weU." 
"Farewell, Querella." So they went their ways. 



A WOMAN'S QUESTION. 

THE fount of life hath flowing springs, 
Are they to me forbid? 
Shall truth's sweet light, O Bounteous God, 
Be from thy children hid? 

Were not all paths that lead to good 
Made to thy daughters free 

When ancient fetters were dissolved 
In gospel liberty? 



[32] 



MY LADY OF THE SEARCH-LIGHT 

Perchance thy subtle wish, O man, 

Hath Scripture truth misread, 

To my own heart I'll turn to list 

What God to me hath said. 

Unto the pattern shown within 

111 first of all be true, 
And oh! believe me, only thus 

Can I be true to you. 



Taking her daughter's hand Querella stept 

Into the larger life as steps a queen, 

And every door of human effort swung 

Unto her knock. So marvelled all the world 

As arts, professions, trades or high or low, 

Science, invention, politics and creeds 

Grew richer with the woman's side revealed. 

But if in lonely hours Querella felt 

An empty void, with yearnings deep for ties 

Thus sundered, who shall say? She held her peace. 



[33] 



MY LADY OF THE SEARCH-LIGHT 



THE VOICE OF THE AGES. 

A VOICE from the ages is sending 
--^--^ To the Hstening future a cry 
With echoes prophetic of destiny blending, 
Yet pausing in vain for reply. 

Like the rhythmic sob of the ocean, 

Like the surf that beats on the shore, 

Like forest-born sighings of wind in commotion 
Swells the refrain evermore. 

Whence sprang the woman to being? 

Whither doth womanhood tend? 
How shall her life to its impulse agreeing, 

Into the universe blend? 

Philosophy straineth to learn it. 

While History, Scripture and Art 

Are heavily prest with the task to discern it, 
The meaning of womanhood's part. 

But think not ye prophets and sages. 

Masculine mentors and seers, 
Ye only may compass the question of ages 

More difficult grown with the years. 

[34 ] 



MY LADY OF THE SEARCH-LIGHT 

Nor yet shall the irritant wrangle 

Of woman's inconsequent zeal 
Resolve for the world the complicate tangle 

In a verdict surpassing appeal. 

Nay, human and angel and devil 

And Heaven and the Earth are involved, 
And children unborn shall inherit the evil 

If falsely the question be solved. 

And yet after all must the woman 

The final adjudicant find 
In the issue so weighty to interests human,— 

Her place in the realm of mankind. 

Bring forward your arguments forceful. 

Let all in due order be heard, 
But woman herself from her nature resourceful 

Shall utter the ultimate word. 

Yet No! Let humanity ponder 

Together its problems so vast, 
And link with discretion and wisdom and wonder 

The present, the future, the past. 



[35] 



MY LADY OF THE SEARCH-LIGHT 



YEARS came and went. The Twentieth Cen- 
tury's dawn 
Had risen in promise, but with problems new 
Ever confronting. So one day was heard 
The invitation that from near and far 
Should delegates for every Cause convene 
In the brave city where the Golden Gate 
Opens its latch-string toward the Orient, 
For the westering Car of Empire had fulfilled 
Its course of triumph round the spheral globe 
And linked the evening and the morn together. 

Thus came they on, a group of congresses 

With all-embracing plans to mark anew 

The mete and bound of all philosophies 

In Heaven and earth, and chase to limbo shades 

Decrepit fictions of the elder world. 

If future ages would eclipse a plan 

Of such exhaustive amplitude, 'twould seem 

That sister planets must unite with ours 

To prove the universe; or if confined 

By natural laws to earth, the future man 

Must fitly join with beasts to arbitrate 

A re-adjustment of their mutual claims. 

[36] 



MY LADY OF THE SEARCH-LIGHT 

Now in this Parliament of human-kind 

Had all the lesser cliques fulfilled their course 

And held their innings. So the closing month 

Was come that should all lingering issues solve 

And speed the youthful century on its course 

Triumphant. 

Two assemblies now absorbed 
The gathered people. In a stately hall 
Embowered with floral charms a congress sat 
Of women of the world in every type; 
The queen of Europe's Courts, the beauty veiled 
By Eastern harems, savagery enwrapt 
In her rude blanket, dames of high career, 
Maiden and matron and religieusey 
The loud-tongued talker, the submissive wife, 
Athlete, domestic, and the frivolous girl 
Drifting with currents of the modern age, 
Minerva, Dian, Juno, Venus, all 
Found prototype, and all intent to face 
One problem by the finished centuries left 
As heirloom to the future. 

At the head 
Behold Querella, queen of all the throng, 
Holding the balance as the tangled coil 

[37] 



MY LADY OF THE SEAKCH-LIGHT 

Should be resolved, the facts of woman's sex, 

Its subtle power to make or mar the world; 

Nor sex alone the theme, large fact indeed, 

But not the only fact, as sex doth sink 

Into the larger fact, humanity. 

And though the final word should not be spoke, 

For so the world itself might not contain 

The books that should be written, none should fear 

Boldly to face all truth and pierce the core 

Of human mystery. 

Thus they discoursed 
Scripture and myth and logic and the maze 
Of history's records. So was heard the fame 
Of Portia, Juliet, Sappho, Milton's Eve, 
Pilgrim Priscilla, Florence Nightingale, 
Lucre tia with her jewels, Helen of Troy, 
The Virtuous Woman famed in Holy Writ, 
Dorcas her garments folding, the Virgin blest 
Of Raphael's vision, type of motherhood, — 
All had their advocates and honors there. 

Meanwhile across the Court another hall 
An equal gathering held, for men aroused 
By women's zeal were also met to face 
The impending crisis. In the chair behold 
Manlius, the leader, calmly resolute. 

[ 38 ] 



MY LADY OF THE SEARCH-LIGHT 

As heaving currents hastening toward the strait 
Gather the floating straws with yellow froth 
Commingled, thus did crude opinions float 
And toss as surface freight above the tide 
Of swelling purpose surging in alarm 
Toward bold decisive ends still unrevealed. 

*'Our wives," they said '^are in delusion gulfed. 
To hear their maunderings one might well conceive 
That woman was a late discovery 
And luckless man her stern implacable foe." 

'^Ah!'' it was answered, '^Let the folly run 
To its conclusions. Lures of fame will prove 
Weaker than nature's laws. Fiction hath failed 
Aught to discover saving marriage bands 
As ending to the story." 

"Yet," said one, 
"Beware lest stinted justice we accord 
To her we hold most dear. It helpeth not 
The issue to belittle. It were best 
Somewhat to yield. Humanity itself 
Hangeth in poise. Haply if women fail 
Through human frailty, rightly to divide 
Strength from presumption, are we sure our skirts 
Are spotless? Some unmanliness in us 

[39] 



MY LADY OF THE SEARCH- LIGHT 

Hath gendered ill in them. If our pretence 
Of headship were well taken, surely fault 
Inheres in us who had not grace to hold 
Our kingdom steady." 

"True," a voice replied, 
*'If in the moral world the woman's strength 
Be highest, then is she the head, and men 
To women's primacy must meekly bow. 
Let us then mend our ways, and fitly yield 
All fullest dues; — the sooner they'll return 
To love and home." 

"But why this paltry din?" 
Another cried, "The time hath been perhaps, 
When woman was opprest. But 'tis not now! 
Nor do we merit such a rash contempt. 
Surely 'twere time a just recognizance 
Should re-enthrone the Ever- Womanly." 
Added an eager voice, " 'Tis nature's plan 
That man should lead, and at his loving beck 
The wife should follow. Though she oft may guide 
By man's renouncements, yet if folly flaunts 
Such rule as woman's birthright, then, perforce 
We'll prick the bubble, Law must hold its own." 



[40] 



MY LADY OF THE SEARCH-LIGHT 

Thus either side with bold criterion shaped 
Its wavering counsels. Hast thou never seen 
How nature's laboratory slow prepares 
Her separate compounds that at last shall join 
With force precipitate, perhaps to blend 
The brisk of ferment in one basic whole, 
Or haply, with explosive burst to deal 
Broadcast destruction to the world around? 
To which conclusion think you, shall the clash 
Of these strategic fateful ventures tend? 

Now at the Woman's Hall the question rose 
^'What if a word of greeting we should send 
Unto the men? So shall we prove ourselves 
Of liberal mind." 

Forthwith it was dispatched, 
A message framed in formal courtesy. 

The men surprised, 
''Why heed such idle breath? 
When women learn their duty it were time 
To pause for parley." 

Yet anon prevailed 
A gentler counsel and came duly back 
A deferent reply. 

[41 ] 



MY LADY OF THE SEARCH-LIGHT 

The women pleased, 
"So far is fitting. It were trifling risk 
Should we go farther. To our beauteous hall 
We will invite them. It were well to know 
Their trend of thinking." 

Straightway was agreed. 
Then a protesting voice, ''How if they claim 
In joint assembly that the men must hold 
Official headship?'' 

"Banish needless fear," 
Querella answered. "It were better grace 
Since they are guests, that by our courtesy 
Their chairman should preside, nor yield we aught 
In final wise of just prerogative." 

Gravely the men debate the message sent. 
If to accept would compromise their Cause. 
"Gracious and fair the bidding seems," they said, 
"Yet if sincerely meant, ours is the place 
For the joint gathering." 

So with careful phrase 
They made acceptance: 



[42] 



MY LADY OF THE SEAKCH-LIGHT 

Twas a happy thought, 
This Union meeting, where in friendly parle 
Each congress could unfold its drift and aim; 
But it were fitting that they now reverse 
The invitation. Theirs the larger hall 
And for such throngs the amplest audience room 
Were none too spacious. 

Now in turn arose 
The counter-doubt, What if the women seek 
Precedent rank since of themselves had come 
The initial move? Surely 'twas meet, they said, 
That Manlius hold his rightful place. Yet still 
If to the Hall of Men with free accord 
The women came, 'twas all that they would ask. 
Besides, 'twas rumored that the women meant 
To yield the point. So not to be outdone 
In fairest courtesy, they would first invite 
Querella to the chair. 

Thus step by step 
The plans were laid. 

And now the women glowed 
In preparation for the great event. 
With flower-filled hands in happy groups they came 
To make the spacious room a festive bower. 
At mom betimes they all with best attire 

[43] 



MY LADY OF THE SEARCH-LIGHT 

And winning smiles betook them to the hall 
Where gathering men doffing their careless ways 
Now stepped with courtly grace. 

So struck the hour. 
With anxious expectation all the throng 
Waited denouement. 

Manlius first arose. 
"For tasteful skill that hath adorned these walls 
We thank our gentle friends. I move that now 
Madame Querella shall assume the role 
Of dignity and here preside this day." 
And there was stillness over all the room. 

Then rose Querella, 
"Nay, w^e beg that thou 
In thine own hall retain thy usual place." 

So each refused the office, till at last 
'Twas put to vote. The men with one accord 
Gave ballot for Querella, and the rest 
Voted for Manlius. So there was a tie. 

Now with a blush Querella rose. "My friends, 
To-day I tell a secret that I thought 
Should never pass my lips. But know you all 
This is my husband. He shall act for me. 

[44] 



MY LADY OF THE SEARCH-LIGHT 

Are we not one? Let him then take the chair." 
And all the women waved their handkerchiefs, 
But all the men sat silent. 

Manlius now 
Stepped to Querella^s side, "Honor bestowed 
Upon my wife is honor shown to me, 
I yield to her." 

Then all the men broke forth 
In loud applause. 

Rosy and pale by turns 
Querella speechless sat, with downcast look. 
The silence painful grew. At last she rose, 
White as a lily now her cheek, her eyes 
Suffused with liquid lenses that enhanced 
Their lustre, yet not filled, nor overflowed. 
Thus trembling sunbeams in a breath of mist 
Enlarge the radiance of the orb of day 
When glad Aurora greets the waking world. 
Soft and distinct her voice. 

"Hear me," she said, 
"The Woman-Soul the offspring is and heir 
Of life in all its fulness, and her heart 
Holdeth its own in treasure. Yet to-day 
I do avow that dearer than all gifts 

[45] 



MY LADY OF THE SEARCH-LIGHT 

Of personal fame or vantage is the crown 

Of wifehood that hath wreathed my woman's brow. 

If it be needful, glad I now resign 

The rights of selfhood for the sweeter bliss 

Of yielding self unto the claims of love. 

Manlius, my husband ^ take your wife again,'' 

But ere the word was finished, Manlius grasped 

The extended hand, all mastery now gone 

From out the tender equal glance that met 

Querella's, — glad, entreating, yielding all, 

Yet with no loss of manly dignity. 

Clear fell his words: ^'If it be needful? Nay, 

Far be it that my blinded heart should claim 

Wifely renunciation of the wealth 

Of woman's heritage. My precious wife, 

Never so much my chosen wife as now. 

For all the graces of thy newer world 

Are added jewels in thy wifely crown. 

So let me now the husband's duty yield, 

I, too, my life thus losing, that I may 

Find it again in thine as thou in mine. — 

But come we now apart. Our converse doth 

Distract the meeting." So they drew aside. 

Again was silence as the wondering throng 
Waited expectant. 

[46] 



MY LADY OF THE SEARCH-LIGHT 

Then a timid voice, 
"I mind me of an ancient tale enshrined 
In Persian lore, of the unsymmetric bird, 
The Juftak, dowered with a single wing. 
But on the wingless side the male doth show 
A hook and on the female stands a ring, 
Only when fastened each to each can they 
Fly to the upper air. The human race 
Is that same Juftak. Read this fable well. 
Since in our hall all human-kind are met. 
Hath not our chairman need to be endowed 
As man and woman both? Should not the two 
Together hold this office?'' 

"Nay, indeed," 
Broke forth the general cry. "'Twere folly thus 
To breed confusion. Either well may guide, 
Manlius or Querella, and we care not which, 
Since both are worthy, but no double head." 

The first insistent, "Nay the twain are one, 

The only whole. The family group is set 

As social unit, its united pair 

The representing type. Woman or man 

Singly must halt, a fraction impotent 

Of a Hfe complete." 

[47] 



MY LADY OF THE SEARCH-LIGHT 

Now with a flashing eye 
Uprose a woman tall, with lines of gray- 
Streaking her raven hair. "I pray you, friend, 
Revoke the foolish word. Mother nor wife 
Am I, yet dare to challenge that life's cup 
May brim with other vintage. I have seen 
Childless, unwedded women who knew more 
Of faithful troth, of heart of motherhood. 
Of life's deep stress and passion, of its heights 
And deep abysms, its mastering pain and bliss, 
Than many a one who weds and children bears 
With human instincts all unsanctified 
By spiritual insights. Lofty souls 
Not set in matrimonial gardens may aspire 
To beauteous blossom and perfected fruit. 
The childless arms may clasp most tenderly 
The sad unmothered children. Loves unclaimed 
By husband or by wife may fructify 
In largest fulness, ripening luscious gifts 
To bless a hungering world. Dare ye believe 
The Blessed One who shared our mortal lot 
And tasted death for all humanity 
Missed life's ideal for lack of marriage vows? 
Christ's birth hath set a seal on motherhood, 
But his example to the end of time 
Hath also sanctified the virgin life 
For man and woman both. 

[48] 



MY LADY O^ THE SEARCH-LIGHT 

"Nor dare ye boast 
Ye wedded mates, the undue monopoly 
Of love's congenial fellowships. We all 
As sister, daughter, brother, son, do move 
In sweet relations with our mutual own. 
Yea, even the solitary ones are set 
Of God in families. 

"And yet the links 
The tenderest, dearest, that entwine true hearts 
With souls akin, are wove from braided strands 
Of fateful circumstance and yielding change. 
But the Self-Unit absolute doth hold 
Its sure identity. Nor time nor space 
Divides me from Myself, sole integer 
By nature's primal law. Singly our souls 
Were born, singly we cross the final bourne 
To meet our Maker and alone receive 
The last arbitrament of joy or shame." 
She ceased, but from her passionate words there fell 
An oppressive silence over all the room. 

Now rose an aged man, "Good are thy words, 

My sister, yet a part is still untold. 

Wheels lie within life's wheels. The steadfast day 

RoUeth his course; so doth the solar year 

His separate orbit swing; and each may serve 

[49] 



MY LADY OF THE SEARCH-LIGHT 

As measuring-rod of time. Nature's large plan 

Includeth both the individual soul 

And family bond. Yet neither doth embrace 

Life's full content. A fraction still is each 

Of the vaster unit, Great Humanity. 

These lesser wholes, whence came they? Trace them 

back 
To the far past. Look forward where they lead. 
Lo, no beginning neither end appears 
To the moving chain of living links that spans 
Eternity. This then the primal fact, 
We all are members of the boundless Whole, 
Like planet worlds that wheel their ceaseless course 
'Mid interstellar spaces, yet compose 
One system intricate, — the Universe 
Of spirit life that comprehends us all." 

The old man took his seat. Uprose forthwith 

One with the fire of action in his eye, 

"Why waste we words? One question rules the hour. 

Brethren, 'tis manhood's privilege to yield 

To woman's moulding. As her true desire 

Is to her husband, so be ours to her. 

Bid claims begone! Querella well hath proved 

Fitness for leadership. If she will take 

The chair of office, it shall please us well." 

[50] 



MY LADY OF THE SEARCH-LIGHT 

"Nay, brethren, fathers, husbands, hear me now," 
Pleaded a woman's voice, "When manhood speaks 
Words of such gentle justice as to-day 
Have fallen on our ears, our souls are stirred 
To nobler womanhood. Believe me, friends. 
Woman is happiest when she freely yields 
Unto her husband's love her personal life. 
Querella, — she hath said it, — best were pleased 
To leave the public task since Manlius stands 
Ready to do it for her gentle sake." 

Again the old man spoke, "To-day we face 
Peculiar problems. Men and women we 
Who, other issues waiving, would adjust 
Our mutual obligations. It were wrong 
If partial sympathies should vitiate 
The just conclusion. For to-day at least 
Twere well befitting that our chairman hold 
The dual gifts of life. Wherefore let both 
Manlius and Querella here preside this dayJ^ 

So it was voted. Then were quickly placed 

Two chairs, Querella sitting at the right 

Of Manlius, as the task he undertook 

To organize the meeting. If arose 

A variance, mutual counsel quickly served 

To bring adjustment. When for transient cause 

[51 ] 



MY LADY OF THE SEARCH-LIGHT 

Her husband turned aside, Querella stept 
Unto the fore, and so progressed the work 
Right merrily. All was equipped at last, 
With chosen officers in full supply- 
Installed for duty. 

Manlius now arose, 
"What is the business that hath called us here? 
Will some one now propose?'' 

But no one spoke. 
Each turned to other striving to recall 
The questions they had gathered to resolve. 
And none could think. Indeed it almost seemed 
That all was done. What was there to decide? 
For all relations of the human race 
Seemed to be settled, and was nothing left. 

At last with trembling tone a voice began 
The old Doxology. 'Mid smiles and tears 
All caught the strain and loud the welkin rang. 

Then rose Querella. "It was in our plan 
To ask you all to dine. At two o'clock 
In Woman's Hall the dinner will be served. 
The intervening hour may well be given 
To social converse. Let us now adjourn." 

[52 ] 



MY LABY OF THE SEARCH-LIGHT 

So it was voted. And within that hour 
Did many a wife regain her husband's side, 
And brother sought for sister, and withal 
Full many a youthful heart gave quick response 
To thrilling glance or touch of kindred soul. 

Then at the signal arm in arm they passed 
Unto the banquet. At its happy close 
As wit and wisdom kindled, every eye 
Sought Manlius and Querella where they sat 
Gracing the feast at its presiding board. 
''Our Presidents." — Responsive to the toast 
They rose and clasping hands as if to take 
New marriage vows, in clear duet they sang; 
While every eye was moist, and at the close 
Echoed tumultuous bursts of long applause. 



[53 1 



MY LADY OF THE SEARCH-LIGHT 

MANLIUS AND QUERELLA. 

MUTUAL love hath sealed our union. 
Loyal hearts in us are wed, 
Each the stronger, each the weaker, 
Each submissive, each the head. 

Heirs alike in equal lineage 

To the wealth of life's estate. 

Neither will the heavenly birthright 
E'er deny or desecrate. 

Nature's leadings felt within us 
Follow we with gentle awe, 

Breaking bonds of old conventions 
If they fetter primal law. 

Yet to either will the other 

In all honor still defer, 
Man and woman joined in duty 

She to him as he to her. 

So our troth is firmly plighted 

Till we rest beneath the sod, 

Each to self, and each to other. 

Both to each, and each to God. 



[54] 



MY LADY OF THE SEARCH-LIGHT 



POSTLUDE. 

THE story was told, but my spirit had sped 
Afar beyond limits of time or of space 
Across trackless forests and oceans widespread, 

Away from humanity's trace, 
Till I stood in a featureless desert alone, 
Aweary of living, opprest by the irritant wrangle 
Of men, so unskilled to resolve life's complicate tangle, 

When suddenly towered before me 

The Sphinx of the ages, its eyes. 

Those calm inscrutable eyes. 

Looked forth from the cold dead stone 

Shedding an influence o'er me 

That filled me with solemn surprise. 

I felt me no longer alone. 
But as if in my heart throes the statue could feel 
The stress of life's passion, its endless appeal 
To an infinite something, a silent beseeching 
For Eternity's clue. Time's issues outreaching. 

If to man or to woman such look could belong 
As I saw on the statue, I knew not, I cared not. 



MY LADY OF THE SEARCH-LIGHT 

But somehow its spell like a tide of the ocean 
O'erswept my faint heart with a speechless emotion, 

And question it further, I dared not. 
Transfixed by the gaze yet too weary to ponder 
The mysterious look, I let my eyes wander 
And follow its far away glance till it came 
To the distant horizon, and there I discovered 

A mirage of the desert, a fair 

And wonderful picture of air 

That low in the Orient hovered. 

At first indistinct and remote was the vision. 
But soon gathered clearness, precision; 
Two crystaline spheres revolving, as held 
Like binary stars to one center compelled 
By a mutual force, that each circuit impelled. 
In size and in lustre I thought them the same. 
Yet scanning more closely, I difference knew 
In the radiant orbs so worthily mated, 
For the rays of the one seemed chiefly of light. 
The other with heat seemed to pulsate and glow. 

With intricate movement I watched them pursue 
Their paths unrelated, 
When, lo! 
They were bearing together. I anxiously waited 
With paralyzed sense as one waiteth the flash 
Of the lightning stroke or the thunderbolt's crash. 

[56] 



MY LADY OF THE SEARCH-LIGHT 

How useless my fears! They melt into one 
With a movement majestic and fleet. 

Lo! a single sphere endowed like the sun, 
With life-giving light and heat. 

The statue and I were enwrapt in the beams 

That stretched far away in out-flashing streams 
To the bounds of creation, 

And I bowed me in mute adoration. 

For now in its center a vision doth glow 

A face like the face of the Christ strong and tender. 

The artists of old sought to render 

The Lord of humanity so. 
With features of manhood and womanhood blent, 

As if each in its fulness had lent 
Perfections of beauty, of power, and grace 

To the dual worshipful face. 
Yea, thus in the pattern for all mankind 
Must the graces of all be enshrined. 

As I pondered the vision so strange 

I was suddenly ware of a change. 
Christ's face into that of the Father seemed turning, 
A fatherhood potent, yet gentle and yearning 



[ 57] 



MY LADY OF THE SEARCH-LIGHT 

As the mother who comforts the child of her love 
With motherhood's comfort, all comforts above, — 
A parental presence, all-loving, all seeing, 
The primal source of all Being. 

But quickly the miracle sped, 

And suddenly lifting my head. 

The statue alone was before me; 
With deep inscrutable eyes that drew me 
Yet seemed to go o'er me, beyond me, and through me. 
The eyes, not of woman or man, but of soul, 
A spirit sublimed from humanity's whole. 

So there in the desert, no visitant nigh, 
We faced it in silence, the statue and I, 
The question of Ages, the measureless strife 
Of the problem unending, the problem of Life. 



[58] 



OCT 24 1905 



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